In the final years of the 1980s, I was beginning a budget travel adventure to Europe with a travel partner. Since my travel mate was considering pursuing a master’s degree in New York, we had planned a fortnight visit there before heading to London.
We reached the postgrad residence, a big 10-storey building on the Upper West Side known as International House. Once we unpacked, we made our way to the cafeteria, where we got some food, found a table, and engaged in conversation with people eating there.
Sitting next to me was an Iraqi man enrolled in an engineering program at a prestigious New York university. He inquired what I my profession was, and I shared that I had just graduated with a science degree and had been working on studies using an electron microscope.
He noted that there was an electron microscope unit at the university – close to the school of engineering, which was the reason he was familiar with it. He suggested that I consider applying for a job with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was about to fly to Europe and, additionally, I didn’t have a US visa.
The next day I toured the city, returning to the canteen that night. The Iraqi student approached me and let me know that he had arranged an interview for me with the leader of the research team at Columbia. Because he had taken the effort, I went to the meeting – but straight off explained to my interviewer that I didn’t have a visa, so I was probably wasting her time.
Reflecting the city's spirit – a city where anything feels possible – she responded: “We can make that happen. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.
I was employed there for a trio of years. One of the benefits was that I also received complimentary education at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to finish a graduate degree in global studies.
We didn't cross paths after that and I am unaware of his name, but his remarkable generosity changed my life in so many ways. I lacked the bravery or self-belief to approach someone at an prestigious college and seek a position. Additionally, I had consistently hoped to study abroad, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that tuition waiver.
Critically, that job in New York led me to a position in Switzerland where I encountered my handsome spouse from France, with whom I now have a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That kind stranger changed my trajectory in life, and I’m always appreciative.
Tell us about the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?
From making your day to altering your path, we are interested in chance encounters that have stuck with you.
We invite you to tell us if you are of legal age, without revealing your identity if you choose. Your responses are confidential, and are intended for the purpose of this feature.
